Army Commander defends himself against allegations

At his first Press Conference after assuming duties as the Commander of the Army, L t Gen Shavendra Silva vigorously defended himself saying all that has been levelled against him were still allegations.

Silva’s appointment by President Maithripala Sirisena drew criticism from local and international Human Rights organisations, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations all who pointed out that Silva faces allegations of gross violations of Human Rights during the conflict.

Silva said the President who is the Commander in Chief “has
considered the state of the security of the country, the condition of the Army
and appointed me. I am pleased to accept the appointment from my Commander in
Chief.”

Among those who objected to Silva locally is the Tamil
National Alliance the pre-eminent political party representing the Tamils many of
whom complain that they suffered from Silva’s actions towards the end of the
war.

On his appointment the TNA said “an individual who stands accused of grave
crimes, as Army Commander is a serious affront to the Tamil People. We are deeply
dismayed by this appointment.”

Silva told reporters who asked him for his reaction to this statement, “I am not the Army Commander to any particular ethnicity, I am the Commander of the Sri Lanka army to protect each and every Sri Lankan. As far as civilians go I will treat all of them equally. ”

He referred to his background saying he grew up in Matale “where
there are members of every ethnic group in Sri Lanka, Sinhalese, Muslims and
Tamils. We learnt to respect them as we did during the days of the conflict.”

Silva said that his first duty is to protect the country,
protect all its citizens and protect and develop the Army and look after the
well-being of the Army.

Silva also faced questions about statements made by the CID
that the Army was not treating requests by the Police for information and
documents in on-going investigations into serious crimes.

He answered that he “considers the courts with high esteem
and we will abide with anything the courts rule.”